A Detroit district court judge today ruled handyman Joe Gentz is mentally competent to stand trial for the strangulation of Grosse Pointe Park mother and businesswoman Jane Bashara, a move that will allow his defense attorney to begin plea-bargain negotiations with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Judge Kenneth J. King of the 36th District Court made the ruling after the court heard the findings of a report written by Dr. Charles Clark, a psychiatrist who had examined Gentz at the request of defense attorney Susan Reed.

“He clearly grasps the case against him and the possible outcomes,” Reed said while reading the findings in court.

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The report’s findings echo a similar conclusion reached by Dr. Magro Gilbert of the state Community Health Department, said Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey.

Gentz has confessed to the strangulation of Jane Bashara, whose body was found Jan. 25 in her SUV in an alley on Detroit’s east side. He reportedly first told investigators that Bob Bashara, the victim’s husband, paid him to kill her but later changed his story to say Bob Bashara forced Gentz at gunpoint to kill the woman.

Bob Bashara has been charged with solicitation to murder for allegedly trying to arrange to have Gentz killed while locked up in Wayne County’s Dickerson Detention Facility, where Gentz is being held in isolation without bond.

Gentz will now have a preliminary examination on Aug. 13 to determine whether there is enough evidence to have him stand trial in the murder of Jane Bashara.

Reed said she hopes to have discussions with the prosecutor’s office over a potential plea bargain on the murder charge prior to the Gentz’s next court date.

Bob Bashara, who is being held on a $15 million bond in the Wayne County Jail, is due in court on July 24 on the solicitation charge.